Deccan Traps, India

17-24N, 43-47E
Elevation: 4,000 feet (1,200 m)

The Ajunta Caves were carved over four centuries beginning in 200
BC. More construction was done in the 6th and 7th centuries. The
"caves" contain important examples of Buddhist architecture and
sculpture. A contact between two lava flows passes through the knees
of this statue. Photograph by Lazlo Keszthelyi, January 31, 1996.

Flow lobes exposed in a wall of the Ajunta temple. Small features such
as these suggest that slow emplacement of flows during eruptions
lasting months or years. Photograph by Lazlo Keszthelyi, January 31,
1996.

Geologists have postulated that the Deccan Trap volcanism is
associated with a deep mantle plume or hot spot. The plume or hot
spot caused the
continent to break apart. India has drifted north, away from the hot
spot which is now under Reunion.